banksy turf war trainers
by Banksy

You've probably never seen these before! This is a pair of PUMA Clydes from 2003, created in collaboration with infamous street artist Banksy, which commemorated his first major exhibition: Turf War. These promo PUMAs are currently on eBay, and are fetching a pretty, pretty penny. Preserved since time immemorial – AKA the early 2000s – the UK-based seller says they obtained their pair from a friend who was involved with the PUMA-sponsored exhibition. The year 2003 was a particularly prominent the Clyde, with the silhouette returning in primo spec. As such, the buttery brown and beige suede combo – known here as ‘Coffee/Sesame’ – is befitting of a collaboration of this calibre. ‘TURF WAR’ embroidery on the heels is a custom touch, and so is the ‘BANKSY’ text sewn on the inside of the counters. Evidenced by the promo tags and alternate box label, it’s safe to say these were never sold at retail, and only given away to a handful of people at the time. Turf War was Banksy’s first major exhibition. It was held at a secret warehouse location, somewhere on Kingsland Road in London’s East End. The edgy presentation controversially included painted live cows featuring the artist’s distinct stencil style. Jamie Oliver was among the attendees.